All the family members of the fire victims were reportedly spending nights under
open sky as no help from the administration side has been provided so far.

4th Nyishi Idol

3 eliminated in first round

Staff Reporter

ITANAGAR, Dec 12: Three out of the total 17 contestants were eliminated in the first
round of the 4th Nysihi Idol contest.

Biri Moses, Toko Takar and Likha Tadap were eliminated after a tumultuous battle
for survival among the seven contestants, who were thrown into danger zone, today
evening at Siddartha Hall here.

Former MP and sponsor of the third prize Kiren Rijiju attended the function and delivered
few words of encouragement to the participants. He said that music and recreational
activities are most important things in our life which are beneficial for both physical
and psychological wellbeing. Music soothe and refresh our mind and body and it reduces
stress, he said without elaborating. He also advised all present on the second round
of the singing talent hunt to acquire the qualities needed to be a good human being
for a better society. He appreciated the Nyishi Art and Culture Welfare Society for
providing a much needed platform to exhibit and show hidden talents of budding artistes.

ITANAGAR, Dec 12: The district transport office Papum Pare, Naharlagun has been
temporarily shifted to old secretariat staff canteen building near treasury office
Naharlagun. The office will start functioning on December 17.

RGU gets regular VC

ITANAGAR, Dec 12: President of India has appointed Prof. Tamo Mibang, Director, Arunachal
Institute of Tribal Studies (AITS), Rajiv Gandhi University as the Vice-Chancellor
of Rajiv Gandhi University for a period of five years.

He will be joining as the Vice-Chancellor of Rajiv Gandhi University shortly, according
to a communiqué from Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Higher
Education, Govt. of India.

The University community feels that the University would flourish in all aspects
under the leadership of Prof. Mibang as Vice-Chancellor.

Bam appointed as ISC Secretary

ITANAGAR, Dec 12: Arunachal Pradesh Chief Secretary Tabom Bam has been appointed
as Secretary, Inter-State Council, Government of India.

Instrumental in changing 'Dafla' to 'Nyishi' and 'Gallong' to 'Galo', Bam has the
distinction of becoming the Chief Secretary of Arunachal Pradesh for more than seven
years.

The high point of his tenure as Chief Secretary was that Arunachal was rated as the
most advanced Small State in India by India Today Group [the study period being 2009,
2010 and 2011] and the Chief Minister Nabam Tuki received the Award from Pranab Mukkherjee,
ex-Union Finance Minister in November, 2011. DIPR

CLPF & AAPCAUSDU meet on consumers’ woes

ITANAGAR, Dec 12: The Consumers' Legal Protection Forum (CLPF), Guwahati and All
Arunachal Pradesh Consumer Association Upper Subansiri District Unit (AAPCAUSDU)
in a coordination meeting at Arunachal Bhavan, Guwahati on December 10 discussed
on various consumer related issues and problems in Arunachal Pradesh in particular.

The meeting chaired by CLPF Chief Coordinator Advocate Ajoy Hazarika and attended
by president, vice president and other members of AAPCAUSDU.

The consumers’ activist of Arunachal has also decided to organize a Regional Consumer
Workshop in a big way on December 2 at Daporijo to create mass awareness on consumers’
rights, laws and other related issues.

The meeting also discussed thoroughly future work plan of newly formed "Federation
of North Eastern Consumer Organisation" (FONECO).

Yet another bandh call by adamant AAPYO

ITANAGAR, Dec 12: All Arunachal Pradesh Youth Organization (AAPYO) has decided to
go ahead with its 3rd phase of protest against Karsingsa-Hollongi green field airport
issue in the form of 36 hours Capital Complex bandh on Dec 17. Reiterating its demand
for immediate shifting of green field airport from Hollongi to Karsingsa and halt
on official procedure at Hollongi site, the Organisation said that Govt has failed
to give response to its demand till date.

KEWA provides relief assistance to fire victims

ITANAGAR, Dec 12: The Khalaktangpa Employees Welfare Association (KEWA) has provided
an amount of Rs one lakh fifty thousand as relief assistance to fire victims of Kalaktang.
The relief amount was handed over to victims by KEWA president Dorjee Wangdi Kharma
after inspecting the damages caused by inferno. Further the association appealed
to the people to be cautious during winter and dry season.

Society mourns senior citizen’s death

ITANAGAR, Dec 12: The Ramle Banggo Welfare Society, Itanagar today mourned the death
of its senior member Nyalo Kadu who died on Monday at Chisi in Upper Ramle Banggo.
Late Kadu was noted public leader and social worker. He also joined Assam Rifles
in 1955 and later served as Banggo secretary from 1968 to 1984. Padu was also instrumental
in the establishment of government primary school Potte (now Telam). In its condolence
message to bereaved family the Society said that Kadu’s contribution towards the
society will be fondly remembered.

Society demands protection of biological park

ITANAGAR, Dec 12: The Biological Park Gyekar Sinyi’s Protection and Development Society
(BPGSPDS) today appealed to the state government to erect security wall around Biological
Park in order to prevent illegal encroachment.

After visiting the Biological Park (Zoo) on Dec 7, the Society claimed that rampant
illegal encroachment is going on within the notified area of biological park due
to lack of boundary/ security wall.

Financial help sought

ITANAGAR, Dec 12: Arunachal Pradesh College Teachers’ Association (APCTA), Parliamentary
Secretary (Home, Geology and Mining), in a letter, has appealed for providing some
financial assistance to Goli Bagra, Asst. Prof. of Donyi Polo College Kamki, whose
private residential house at Lipu village and Govt residential quarters were reduced
to ashes in two devastating fire incidents on December 9 and 10 last.

APCTA hoped that the Parliamentary Secretary will look into the difficult predicament
and bring solace to him and his family by granting some financial assistance on compensatory
grounds.

14 persons deported

ITANAGAR, Dec 12: The Capital Complex administration has deported 14 persons from
Capital Complex to outside the state for not having valid Inner Line Permit (ILP)
during the last two days of checking drive.

Similarly, the plastic bags, tobacco and gutka products found in various shops from
Bank Tinali to Akashdeep were seized and burnt near the DC’s office, according to
an official release.

Informing that the District Administration would continue with the drive in coming
days in whole of Capital Complex, the DA appealed all not to sale banned products.
It also appealed to the residents not to employ any persons without valid ILP.

The drive was carried out to check those persons staying and working without having
valid ILP in Capital Complex as well as to check the sale of banned items like plastic
bags, gutka and tobacco products in the Capital Complex, in spite of issuance of
ban order.

Orgs demand speedy investigation

ITANAGAR, Dec 12: Apatani Cultural and Literary Society, Ziro, Apatani Socio-Cultural
Welfare Society, Itanagar and Adi Baane Kebang jointly met the District Administration
and the District Police of East Siang at Pasighat and discussed on the status of
investigation into murder case of Nani Tama, whose body was found buried under the
sand near Raneghat Bridge on December 1 last.

The society submitted a joint representation in which they expressed unhappiness
over the delay in making any headway in bringing the culprits to book. The District
Police remained clueless about those responsible for his death after more than a
week, they said and urged to speed up the investigation process so as to deliver
justice to the aggrieved family at the earliest.

Meanwhile, the District Administration and District Police appealed all to share
information which may lead to arrest of the culprits. The District Administration
also appealed to the joint delegates not to take the case on tribe specific as criminals
have no caste, creed and tribes.

Adi Bane Kebang disclosed that local investigation at their level has already started
and assured to co-operate the Administrators and Police in any form and at any time.

Earlier, the ACLS, ASCWS and ABK met at Siang Guest House, Pasighat and strongly
condemned the dastardly act of murder of Tama and appealed the District Administration
and District Police to bring the culprits to book at the earliest and award them
exemplary punishment.

:::::::::::::::::::::::

150 days have passed. The culprits involved in the July 15 attack on The Arunachal
Times associate editor Tongam Rina are still at large.

Ziro Valley and Talley Valley shortlisted for inclusion in UNESCO Word Heritage site

ITANAGAR, Dec 12: Much to the joy of people of Arunachal Pradesh, the picturesque
Ziro valley and Talley valley have been shortlisted among various sites from India
for UNESCO World Heritage site by Archaeological Survey of India. According to the
source, the two sites were chosen in a meeting held today at New Delhi by ASI.

In another meeting held yesterday at ministry of culture, the two sites were finalized.
The fate of another site Thembang of West Kameng district which was also selected
is still not known. The Ziro Valley and Talley Valley were selected after lot of
screening by ASI officials. The selected sites will be forwarded to UNESCO headquarter
based at Paris. It will take minimum of another 4 to 5 years to know whether the
two sites will be declared as world heritage site.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor stated that Arunachal Pradesh is a gold mine.
He called upon the people, especially the youth to take up organic tea cultivation,
exotic vegetable, floriculture, bee keeping and poultry. He also suggested the farmers
to go for second and third cropping.

In order to encourage people, especially the participants of the Expo cum Mela to
take up floriculture, bee keeping, poultry farming, organic farming and exotic vegetables,
the Governor invited them to Raj Bhavan, where under his and first lady Anupama Singh’s
initiative these activities have been taken up. He declared the Raj Bhavan open for
the public for next two days, which is otherwise is open on Sundays throughout the
year.

The Governor said that initiative and entrepreneurship is the need of the hour. He
asked the concerned departments to help the farmers and youth in skill development.

Appreciating the Chief Minister for launching of the Chief Minister’s Agri Mechanization
programme, the Governor said that the farmers of the State are very hard working
but the result is not in proportion to their sweat and toil.

Here use of modern technology and mechanism can bring good result. With the launch
of the programme, the farmers will get much needed financial help for purchase of
farming machines. He appealed the agrarian community, especially youth to avail optimum
benefit out of the programme.

Stating that farm mechanization needs to be prioritized as a basic requirement for
agricultural operations, the Governor called upon concerned officials from the department
of Agriculture and allied subjects to impart ideas amongst the farmers about use
of modern machineries.

The Governor said that Arunachal Pradesh is blessed with abundant of horticultural
wealth. Oranges, apples, pine apples, kiwi are produced in large quantity in interior
places, but these produces do not reach the markets. Therefore, a food processing
unit can bring revolution.

There are many places having huge horticultural production but large parts of the
perishable products are destroyed due to lack of infrastructure and road communications.
This can be contained by setting up of cold storages or food processing units and
construction of roads.

Central Government can help the farming community of the State by helping them in
diversifying their activities by setting up of food processing units. Financial assistance
to them in setting up small scale food processing units will ensure socio-economic
development in the rural areas of the State.

Calling upon the youth in contribute towards the development of the State, the Governor
stated that peace is must for development and hospitality for tourism.

The Governor also released a book, titled ‘Unpretentious Endeavour’ by Director (Marketing),
Department of Agriculture A.K. Purkayastha. It is second book by Purkayastha, who
have a book titled ‘Arunachal Agriculture, over the years’ in 2008. The Governor
also released the souvenir of the 1st Arunachal Krishi Expo and Kisan Mela 2012.

Speaking on the occasion, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Likha Saaya said
that the most important part of the Expo is the presence of large number of farmers,
NGOs, Self help groups, input manufacturers, dealers and corporate houses from the
districts and different parts of the country which he felt will be beneficial for
the all stakeholders. He urged upon the farming community to avail the best advantage
of the presence of scientists, input manufacturers, dealers, traders and financial
institutions.

Earlier in his welcome address, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and veterinary
minister Setong Sena said that in Arunachal Pradesh the crop production in the Eleventh
Plan (2007-12) has maintained an annual growth rate of 4.3% as compared to the national
target of 4%. In Horticulture sector, there has been tremendous growth and there
has been a regular escalation of export of fruits from the state. In Livestock and
Fishery sector also there have been remarkable achievements although there is lot
more to be achieved. It was earlier a misconception that the Farm sector has not
grown significantly as compared to other parts of the country. But the reality is
that, in spite of recurrent natural catastrophes like Flash flood, Drought like situations
& other climatic adversities, there has been a steady growth particularly in Fruits,
Off-season vegetables, Ginger, Potato, oilseeds & other cash crops. Growth in Food
crops production has so far been below optimum level due to obvious reasons but it
is matter of great pleasure that with constant persuasion of the state Chief Minister,
National Food Security Mission (Rice) has been launched in the Arunachal Pradesh
from 2012-13 and we are committed to move towards Food security with active support
of the Govt. of India. He added that the state Government is committed and has initiated
appropriate steps for renaissance of Agri-Marketing service. For effective market
intervention, the Govt. has proposed to support State owned MARKFED and strengthen
Arunachal Pradesh Agriculture Marketing Board (APAMB). Efforts shall be to assist
in grading, Packaging & value addition of Fruits & Off-season vegetables besides
other perishables so as to ensure remunerative return to the farmers. We are putting
all efforts to enhance rural storage capacity besides creating Cool chain & other
market logistics, he stressed.

The minister made a fervent appeal to the Agro-Processors, Traders at regional &
national level to extend their support in all forms to transform Arunachal into a
HUB of Agri-business.

Later the Governor and Chief Minister along with other dignitaries visited the stalls
and interacted with the participants. They were very impressed by the orange and
kiwi stalls and exhorted them to maintain the spirit.

Papum Pare KVK Programme Coordinator Dr. T. Heli informed that there are two hundred
and twenty-three stalls which include 89 of agriculture, 49 of Horticulture, 36 of
veterinary and animal husbandry, 17 of fisheries, 2 stalls of Industry and 30 in
central pavilion. There is a conventional hall with a capacity of 800. Dr. Heli said
that more than 1600 participants are participating in the Expo cum Mela.

Convener of the three-day event cum Director (Marketing), Department of Agriculture
informed that 100 farmers’ groups, 40 self help groups, 30 private companies and
15 departments including Government of India are taking part in it.

The three-day programme include inter district farmers meet on the first day. Farm
machinery demonstration, farmer-scientists interaction on agri-horti sector and farmers-scientists
interaction on livestock and fishery sectors will be held on the second day. On the
last day, there will be farmers-traders-processors interface on value addition &
marketing, session on women entrepreneurship in value addition, packaging and branding
and special session on entrepreneurship in farm sector for youths and financial institution.
The valedictory function will be attended by Dr. Charan Das Mahant, Union Minister
of State for Agriculture and food processing industry. PRO to Raj Bhavan

"Realising the inadequacy of financial resources of the small and marginal farmers,
my government has decided to enhance assistance to the farmers for purchase of costly
farm machinery through this programme," Chief Minister Nabam Tuki said after launching
the programe.

He said food and farm income security has been the main focused agenda of the state
government which is committed to making this sector into a paying profession.

"My government has decided to provide 100 tractors, 300 power tillers, 700 pumping
sets and 500 rice mills to the beneficiaries within this year as the first phase
of the programme," the Chief Minister said. Tuki also distributed two tractors and
a power tiller on the occasion.

He said, agriculture and allied activities being the primary occupation of the people
of the state, the sector needed special attention and the government had accorded
topmost priority to this area.

The Chief Minister, who also launched the Zero interest Kisan Credit Card (KCC) programme
on the occasion, said the programme was aimed at facilitating the farmers to be credit
worthy.

As part of launching of ‘Chief Minister’s Agri-Mechanization Programme’ Tuki handed
over one cheque each of Rs. 1.2 lakhs to Registrar Cooperative Society cum Secretary
Cooperation, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh and to Arunachal Rural Bank as government
assistance for tractor subsidy. He also handed over the keys of the tractors to beneficiaries,
Nabam Taka and Tamuk Yado. Piel Anya from Kimin received a cheque of Rs. 60,000 and
keys of the power tiller from the chief minister on the occasion.

"The programme is going to help the deserving farmers to be able to access bank loans
enabling them to invest in seasonal farm operations for higher production," he said.

"We will facilitate the farmers to enhance their income through diversification of
crops and commercialization.

Special impetus is being put on floriculture, orchids, cane and bamboo and other
market-sensitive forest produce.

The state government is giving top priority to setting up of fruit processing units,
construction of laboratories for quality control and certification, he said.

The challenges for disposal of surplus product will be looked after by the State
Agricultural Marketing Board, which has been strengthened and revamped, he added.

"My government is laying emphasis on high altitude fish products specially trouts
and other local fishes in the abundant natural lakes and streams of the state," he
said.

The state has witnessed a whopping 195 per cent growth in the horticulture segment,
particularly in production of orange, apple and Kiwi during 2010-11, he said.

Tuki also announced to construct a permanent Krishi expo centre at Karsingsha and
to provide adequate fund from special plan assistance in the next financial year
so that the farmers could sell their products under a common platform. PRO to Raj
Bhavan/PTI

Pema calls on MoS for tourism, seeks support

Itanagar, Dec 12: Arunachal Pradesh RWD & Tourism Minister Pema Khandu today called
on Union MoS for Tourism Chiranjeevi at New Delhi and apprised him of the progressive
tourism initiatives launched in the state.

Highlighting the tourism potential of the state Pema urged the minister for continued
support and guidance of the ministry to make Arunachal a favoured tourist destination
of the country, official sources said here.

He discussed at length about the ongoing projects and proposals submitted with the
Ministry for funding.

He also raised the issue of release of funds for the pending sanctioned projects
in the state to which the union minister assured that he would personally ensure
release of funds at the earliest.

Chiranjeevi, while expressing his happiness assured all support of his ministry to
the border state of Arunachal Pradesh and invited Khandu to be a part of the International
Travel Mart being organised for the first time at Guwahati from December 18 next.

The Mart would showcase NE as a tourist destination to the world especially the ASEAN
and SAARC nations.

Khandu apprised the minister on the states tourism department which is playing a
major role in the event and would put up an excellent show in the event.

The Union minister has assured to visit Arunachal on February next, sources added.

Pema was accompanied by Secretary Tourism Sonam Chombay and DTO New Delhi O. Moyong.
The delegation also met the Secretary Tourism, Govt. of India the day before and
had a fruitful meeting on holistic development of Tourism in the State. PTI and Source

Awareness campaign against opium and musical night a huge success

KHONSA, Dec 12: The awareness campaign against opium launched by the Tirap district
administration in Tirap district was a huge success.

The awareness team led by Tirap DC and SP visited Lazu today and conducted an awareness
meeting there.

Tirap DC Dr Sachin Shinde passionately appealed to the villagers to stop opium cultivation
and adopt other means of cultivation. He warned them of strict action by district
administration if they continue to grow opium. The district administration signed
an agreement with 20 Self Helf Groups (SHGs) wherein the SHGs would not cultivate
opium instead they would adopt other ventures, like poultry, cardamom cultivation
etc. The Deputy Commissioner told the people that the government was ever ready to
give alternative sources of income provided the people abandoned opium cultivation.
He distributed chicks to the SHGs who had taken undertaking not to grow opium any
more.

Tirap SP Vikramjit Singh said that the people are saying that there was no alternative
to opium cultivation held no water adding that there were many poor people in other
states but they did not cultivate opium. He said that opium was illegal and against
all religions.

The team visited Mintong village, one of the worst opium affected villages in Longding
circle on the same day.

The Mintong villagers vowed not to grow opium in the future. DC, Longding, SP, Longding
and HoDs of Longding actively participated in the rally.

A musical extravaganza was held at Nehru stadium, Khonsa yesterday evening in which
East India Company musical band enthralled the thousands of music lovers. The awareness
campaign will travel Tirap, Longding, Changlang, Lohit and Anjaw. DIPRO

The workshop is an effort to teach the basics of ‘Idu Azobra’ to the participants
for the development of ‘Idu Mishmi language’. As per the linguists, the Idu language
falls under Tibeto-Burman family and is grouped under ‘Mishmi language’ with its
closely related Digaru (Taraon) and Miju language.

Developed by IEK and Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), ‘Idu Azobra’ uses
modified Roman script and International Phonetic Alphabets (IPA). The script has
14 vowels, 29 consonants and four different tones. It was developed in 2003, and
launched by former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Mukut Mithi in the same year.

Speaking as resource person during the workshop, Laeta Umbrey, Chairperson IEK said
the script is now fully developed and the ‘Kebange’ is now working towards development
of grammar, dictionary and a primer.

"The development of Idu Mishmi language using ‘Idu Azobra’ initially suffered a setback
after death of R Elangovan of CIIL and Khumba Tacho, former Secretary IEK in mid
2000," said Umbrey.

“They were the lead people in development of Idu script,” he said. Earlier, a two
minute silence was observed in the honor of the two.

The introduction of ‘Idu Azobra’ in the community received a boost in 2011 after
IMCLS took the responsibility of its further development and promotion. It received
a wide support in the community and IMCLS has since then started rigorous campaign
of introducing the script for development of Idu language.

On the first day of the training, the participants were trained on 14 vowels of Idu
script with practice on pronunciation and tones. The Idu Azobra uses four tones to
clarify the meaning of words, since for same words there can be different meanings
depending on the tone.

The opening day of the training workshop was attended by Jimi Pulu, Language Officer,
Anjite Menjo, ZPM, Dr Manaya Mena, social worker besides several other participants.

Shifting cultivation and forest fire management in Arunachal Pradesh

Techi Taura

The smoky days and sights of blazing night around the Bamboo forest in Itanagar or
elsewhere in the state of Arunachal Pradesh is a common phenomenon during March-
April every year. The ultimate blame goes to the shifting cultivators and poor jhumias.
It is observed that not all organizations are making earnest effort in right direction
and in right time to check such forest fire. This is the right time all organizations
make effort to contain forest fire during early Spring season and before the jhumias
start operating new plot for shifting cultivation. The efforts being made by the
state forest department alone is not enough to prevent forest fire. We should keep
in mind that prevention is in fact always better than the precept.

Some of the common causes of wildfire in Arunachal Pradesh are: stray fire which
spreads from jhum burning process and during burning of dry grass to rejuvenate
fresh growth of grass for livestock, among others.

The fire that spread from jhuming field is considered as the main source of wildfire.
The dry tree canopy and biomass that are being cut down these days for the purpose
of cultivation and then set on fire during late winter or early spring, usually engulf
the nearby bamboo garden and elephant grass. It is seen that dry leaves and the seasonal
growth of these forest are charged to burn during dry winter season. In doing so
unknowingly we are putting ourselves to the mantle and thus the green cover of the
vast forest area of Arunachal Pradesh is being reduced and in this way we are becoming
poorer and adding to the pollution and global warming.

However, jhuming cultivation in Northeastern states contributes significantly in
agriculture production. Though concerted efforts are being made to provide alternate
source of income for jhumias, the Government agencies could not solve the problem
of jhumias due to its own limitation. Therefore the State needs to have retrospection
to find out alternate ways for shifting cultivation and forest fire.

The shifting cultivation is followed in Arunachal Pradesh mainly due to suitable
agro-climatic condition. Moreover, Jhum cultivation provides food security to the
farmers in case of failure of particular crop due to natural phenomenon and the Jhum
cultivation is also sanctified in the local religious, cultural and traditional system
of the tribes.

The jhuming cycle which our state jhumias follow is comparatively longer to recover
the regeneration period prescribed for productive farming. The farmers have the natural
intuitive urge to grow their families daily requirement round the year first although
having commercially producing plantations, fruit orchards and livestock farming
etc. Under such circumstances, it would be better if we go for modifying and managing
the shifting cultivation than aiming to ban it at one go.

Our neighbouring state Nagaland have adopted a strategy to sustain shifting cultivation
by a project named “NAGALAND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT (NEPED)
funded by Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), through India-Canada
Environment Facility (ICEF). This project does not aim at eliminating Jhum cultivation
but makes it more stable and profitable. It gives a scientific way to tackle tribal
forest conflict. Some of the North Eastern states are implementing the North Eastern
Regional Community Resource Management Project (NERCOM) with assistance from International
Fund for Agricultural Development(IFAD) from UNO, in the similar pattern with NEPED.

Similar initiatives may be taken in our state as a sustainable way of life as blanket
ban on shifting cultivation is not at all possible.

Why can’t we create separate directorate of shifting cultivation while some departments
can have more than one Chief Executive Officers (CEO) in the state. Some efforts
are also made by our Gaon Burahs (GB) and local administration in the past but yielded
no result due to absence of proper policy directives and political will.

The present trend of jhum cultivation may be modified/ managed in the following manner:-

Revoke the Jhum cultivation Regulation Act of Arunachal Pradesh 1947 by further reforming
the state land act. Unless the individual, clan and community is certified to be
the owner of the land based on the previous inheritance over the land, the shifting
cultivation should be strictly banned for others elsewhere in the state.

The Village Head (GBs, Tribes where Chieftains are not followed) and the Chieftains
and the Village panchayats should be assigned to determine the Jhum operation under
the principles of autonomous district areas rules and regulation act. As agriculture
is included under the panchayat subject they should come out with a panchayat agriculture
policy with reference to the shifting cultivation. Being local self-government they
should not wait New Delhi to plan for their agriculture development.

The state forest and Fire service departments should play proactive role in controlling
the wild fire and jhum fire. The technology and the Forest Fire Management Equipment
developed by the Central Forest Research Institute (CFRI), Dehradun needs to be made
available to the Jhumias to control Jhum burning.

Apart from these, State govt. should facilitate marketing of bamboo forest than just
let it burns under Jhumming and Forest fire. Bamboo being grass and fast growing
can be allowed for marketing. State Bamboo Mission should be further strengthened
to add values to our Bamboo and more of bamboo based industries should be set up
to get cheaper finish products so that our people start caring the Bamboo than just
burning state’s economy.

Coming back to the forest burning in and around Itanagar during March and April is
more of a political issue than just blaming shifting cultivators. Truth is that the
residents of Itanagar now a days follow least Jhumming as they find other means of
earning for livelihood. Being state capital it is the centre of growth and every
year more and more of community members from interior districts are coming. Clearing
and burning forest in and around Itanagar are more of a settlement purpose than
of shifting cultivation for life sustenance.

The bond of nature and native is unique; the pain is shared by them equally. If the
state government modified the shifting cultivation regulation act, the problem will
subside itself. Shifting cultivation will go a long way. It should be taken as index
of all the primary sector development in the state. (The writer is an Agri. Dev.
Officer. The views expressed here by writer are personal, not of the department.)

Mein & Taloh visit remote Riga

RIGA, Dec 12: The state’s Finance, Planning and PWD Minister Chowna Mein along with
Minister for Industries Tapang Taloh landed in the remote Riga village that falls
under Pangin-Boleng assembly constituency to a rousing welcome. The newly constructed
Yiak Quarry road and Riga Inspection Bunglow were inaugurated by Mein while Taloh
inaugurated the newly constructed CDPO office today. Later the duo attended a public
meeting at the helipad/general ground at Riga.

Taking ahead the government’s agenda, the Mein disclosed various development projects/schemes
undertaken so far and being implemented to boost the economic growths of the state
under the leadership of Chief Minister Nabam Tuki.

He called upon the people to take up tourism, agriculture, horticulture, tea cultivation
and rubber plantation activities for economic sustainability. Mein informed that
under the 12th five plan various sustainable and income generative schemes are being
brought by the government which would be officially launched by the Chief Minister
Tuki on December18.

While admitting that there are several problems and issues, which hamper the developmental
processes of the state, Mein said research scholars and experts are being invited
from out side the state to promote and develop the economic status of people in their
respective fields. He assured that every issue would be taken seriously in consultation
with all stakeholders through confidence building measures. We have to utilize the
youth energy and providing them skill development to make them self-employed and
self-reliant to contribute towards state building, stated the minister.

Stressing on FDI (foreign direct investment) the Finance & Planning minister said
the Government’s decision to allow FDI in the retail sector will bring investments
and technology in the state in particular and the country as a whole. The farmers
of landlocked Arunachal would get market outlets with fair price for their products,
claimed the Minister.

While highlighting the developments of sports sector, he said the youths of Arunachal
Pradesh have the potential and if properly guided could excel in national as well
as international arena.

Responding to a memorandum submitted by Taram Jerang, Chairperson, Anchal Samity,
Riga, the minister sanctioned required funds for construction of CDPO’s residence
and barracks and improvement of township roads. He also assured to provide necessary
funds for improvement and extension of Yiak Quarry road and BRTF road to upper Riga
(Talom) from his end.

Earlier, Industries Minister Taloh, in his address, advised to refrain from negative
activities and to take productive and conscientious steps for development of the
society. He also suggested the people to avail the benefits of various welfare schemes/projects
launched by the government.

ITANAGAR, Dec 12: The Interim Committee, DSUs appealed to the Market Welfare Associations
of Itanagar, Naharlagun and Nirjuli to give clear cut direction to the shopkeepers
to open their shops during the election period of AAPSU so that the Christmas can
be celebrated peacefully and smoothly by the Christian community of the state.

“The Interim Committee, DSUs regrets that due to unavoidable circumstances the only
Election part of the 24th General Conference cum Election of AAPSU is scheduled from
December 21 to 24 which coincided with the Christmas celebration. There is no such
intention to hurt the sentiment of the Christian community of the state and at the
same time we appeal to the business community of the state to open their shops during
the said election period,” a release issued by Interim Committee, said.

“We also assure that every measure will be taken with full co-operation with the
district administration to ensure that no untoward disturbance to the business community
is done by any individual in the name of AAPSU election.

“Further extension of the said election may create law and order problem in the capital
complex and in the state in coming days,” it said.

It appealed to all business community, students and people of the state to co-operate
with the committee and district Administration in the coming days so that the election
is conducted successfully and peacefully on the schedule fixed date and venue.

Increased access to family planning has proven to be a sound economic investment.
One third of the growth of Asian economies is attributed to a demographic shift in
which the number of income-generating adults became higher than those who depended
on them for support. This shift, according to report - the State of World Population
2012, published by UNFPA, was a consequence of family planning and brought increased
productivity, leading to economic development in the region.

The report finds that the costs of ignoring the right to family planning include
poverty, exclusion, poor health and gender inequality. Failing to meet the sexual
and reproductive health needs of adolescents and young people in Malawi, for example,
contributed to high rates of unintended pregnancy and HIV. In the United States,
the report showed that teenage motherhood reduces a girl’s chances of obtaining a
high school diploma by up to 10 per cent.

Family planning delivers immeasurable rewards to women, families, and communities
around the world. By enabling individuals to choose the number and spacing of their
children, family planning has allowed women, and their children, to live healthier,
longer lives.

The State of World Population 2012 says that governments, civil society, health providers
and communities have the responsibility to protect the right to family planning for
women across the spectrum, including those who are young or unmarried.

To ensure that every person’s right to family planning is realized, the report also
calls on governments and leaders to take or reinforce a rights-based approach to
family planning and secure an emphasis on family planning in the global sustainable
development agenda that will follow the Millennium Development Goals in 2015.

Delayed information undesirable

Dear Editor,

From the notification published recently by the directorate of Higher and Technical
Education, Govt of Arunachal Pradesh in a section of local daily, we came to know
that Govt of India has decided to conduct single entrance examination all over India
for admission to the degree level courses from academic session 2012-13 onwards.

It is a deep shock and astonishment for the coaching institutions and student fraternity
of the state that APJEE for Engineering, MBBS and BDS Courses has been removed and
it would fall under NEET. On keeping the view in mind about the throat cutting competition
at All India level, the aspirants seems to be helpless due to lack of infrastructure
in the education field. The state Govt and concerned authorities should think about
this decision.

Earlier, we were directed to prepare for the degree level examination on the basis
of APJEE syllabus, so all the aspirants are preparing for APJEE but sudden fluctuation
of the Govt made us to learn the syllabus of all India level, which is not possible
within a limited time remaining for the entrance examination.

No doubt there is reservation quota for STs, SCs and OBCs but our aspirants would
not be able to compete with the students of plains. It does not mean that our aspirants
are dull or incapable but it is because of remote area and lack of facilities in
the education sectors. Even though there is state quota, the students will face problem
in getting admission in good colleges they are seeking for.

It is a great loss for the students those who are coaching for APJEE and waiting
for 2-3 years to get admission in MBBS, Engineering and BDS. Their hard labour and
dreams had been fallen through. It is the duty of state Govt and concerned education
authority to furnish the information regarding the change of courses and syllabus
earlier so that the coaching academy could teach the students better according to
all India syllabus. Delayed information of the Govt and concerned authority made
thousands of life to spoil.

Now, our questions to the state Govt is that why they had accepted decision of Central
Govt, while rest of states are protesting against the NEET? Why did Govt made too
much delayed in providing information?